Mat roller device

ABSTRACT

A machine for quickly and efficiently rolling carpet runners or mats after laundering, for storage, transport and reuse may include a set of belts for generally horizontal travel and an interacting set of belts for generally vertical travel and guide means for directing the leading edge of a carpet runner from engagement with the horizontal belts to engagement with the vertical belts. An assembly including a plurality of arcuate fingers cooperates with the belts to guide the leading edge of a carpet runner into the beginning of a roll and to assist in formation of a tight compact roll of carpet. The machine may include means for driving the belts, means for retracting the finger assembly from a completed rolled carpet runner, and controls for the means. The machine may include a safety apparatus including a light curtain.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/623,356, filed Apr. 12, 2012, theentire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The application pertains generally to a carpet rolling machine. Moreparticularly, the application pertains to a safety apparatus for acarpet rolling machine.

BACKGROUND

In many public buildings, during wet weather, carpet runners or mats arelaid on the floor immediately inside of entrances to absorb most of thewater and pick up most of the dirt carried in from the outside. Thisprevents the water and dirt from being carried throughout the building,into elevators, etc. and greatly facilitates the maintenance of buildinglobbies, hallways, and the like. These carpet runners quickly becomesoiled and are then laundered and rolled for use when next needed. Insome cases, a carpet rolling machine may be used to aid a person inrolling up lengths of carpet used as temporary runners. A continuingneed exists to reduce or eliminate potential injuries to operators of acarpet rolling machine.

SUMMARY

A machine for rolling carpet runners may comprise: (A) a frame; (B) afirst set of at least a pair of spaced apart parallel rollers supportedwithin the frame; (C) drive means connected to one of the first set ofrollers; (D) a further roller supported within the frame parallel to andspaced above a rearwardmost roller of the first set of rollers; (E) afirst series of a plurality of endless spaced apart belts supported onthe first set of rollers for longitudinal movement in response torotation of the first set of rollers; (F) a second series of a pluralityof endless spaced apart belts supported between the rearwardmost rollerand said further roller for generally vertical travel in response torotation of the first set of rollers and the further roller, the secondseries of belts alternating with the first series of belts in the spacesbetween the belts of the first series; (G) a concave forwardly facingarcuate guide plate supported at a juncture between the first series ofbelts and the second series of belts, a lower end of the guide plateextending into one space between the belts of the first series; (H) anassembly of a plurality of concave downwardly facing fingers pivotallysupported and extending forwardly from the spaces between the secondseries of belts and spaced above the first series of belts; (I) meansfor controlling operation of said drive means; and (J) a safetyapparatus including a light curtain attached to the frame; wherein eachroller includes a central axis.

A machine for rolling carpet runners may comprise: (A) a frame having:(1) a base; (2) a pair of vertical side supports; (3) a horizontalintermediate support between the side supports spaced above the base;and (4) a horizontal top support between the side supports and spacedabove a rearward end of the intermediate support; (B) a first set of aplurality of at least three spaced apart parallel transverse rollersjournaled for rotation in a horizontal plane overlying said intermediatesupport, each roller having a central axis; (C) drive means connected toa forwardmost roller of the first set of rollers to rotate the same; (D)a further transverse horizontal roller journaled for rotation and spacedabove and slightly forward of a rearwardmost roller of the first set ofrollers, a central axis of the further roller and the central axis ofthe rearwardmost roller lying in a generally vertical plane inclinedforwardly between about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees; (E) a firstseries of a plurality of endless parallel spaced apart belts supportedon the first set of rollers for longitudinal movement responsive torotation of the first set of rollers; (F) a second series of a pluralityof endless parallel spaced apart belts supported between therearwardmost rollers and the further roller, the belts of said secondseries alternating on the rearwardmost roller with the belts of thefirst series in the spaces between the belts of the first series; (G) aconcave forwardly facing arcuate guide plate supported at a juncturebetween the first series of belts and the second series of belts, alower end of the guide plate extending into one space between the beltsof the first series; (H) an assembly of a plurality of spring-biasedconcave downwardly facing fingers pivotally supported and extendingforwardly in the spaces between said second series of belts, and spacedabove the first series of belts; (I) means for retracting the assemblyagainst its spring bias; (J) a pedal switch means for controllingoperation of said drive means; and (K) a safety apparatus including acontrol box operatively connected to a light curtain attached to theframe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of the carpet rolling machine, shown partlybroken away and in section to reveal interior structure;

FIG. 2 is a left side elevation thereof;

FIG. 3 is a right side elevation thereof, shown with parts broken awayand in section;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary section on an enlarged scale on the line 4-4 ofFIG. 1 and in the direction of the arrows showing the position ofstructural elements when the carpet runner is at an intermediate stagein the rolling process;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section on the line 5-5 of FIG. 1 showing theposition of structural elements at the initiation of the rollingprocess;

FIG. 6 is a similar fragmentary section on the line 6-6 of FIG. 1showing the same elements at the conclusion of the rolling process.

FIG. 7 is a schematic for the controls of a safety apparatus; and

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a portion of a safety apparatuson a carpet rolling machine.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in greater detail below. It should beunderstood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention tothe particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention isto cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings,which are not necessarily to scale, wherein like reference numeralsindicate like elements throughout the several views. The detaileddescription and drawings are intended to illustrate but not limit theclaimed invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious elements described and/or shown may be arranged in variouscombinations and configurations without departing from the scope of thedisclosure. The detailed description and drawings illustrate exampleembodiments of the claimed invention.

For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied,unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere inthis specification.

All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term“about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about”, in thecontext of numeric values, generally refers to a range of numbers thatone of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value(i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term“about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significantfigure. Other uses of the term “about” (i.e., in a context other thannumeric values) may be assumed to have their ordinary and customarydefinition(s), as understood from and consistent with the context of thespecification, unless otherwise specified.

Weight percent, percent by weight, wt %, wt-%, % by weight, and the likeare synonyms that refer to the concentration of a substance as theweight of that substance divided by the weight of the composition andmultiplied by 100.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numberswithin that range, including the endpoints (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5,2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and theappended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its senseincluding “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

It is noted that references in the specification to “an embodiment”,“some embodiments”, “other embodiments”, etc., indicate that theembodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrasesare not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristicin connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitlydescribed, unless clearly stated to the contrary. That is, the variousindividual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in aparticular combination, are nevertheless contemplated as beingcombinable or arrangable with each other to form other additionalembodiments or to complement and/or enrich the described embodiment(s),as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring now to the drawings, a carpet rolling machine is partiallyenclosed within a frame housing including left and right spaced apartvertical side wall supports 10 and 11, respectively, supported from abase 12 and in turn carrying a horizontal intermediate support comprisedat least in part of a plurality of parallel spaced apart transversebeams 13. The base 12 may rest on the floor. In some embodiments, thebase 12 may be disposed on and/or supported by casters for movement asneeded. A working area may be disposed between the left and right spacedapart vertical side wall supports 10 and 11. In some embodiments, theleft and right side wall supports 10 and 11 may include left and rightlight curtain modules 104 and 102, respectively, attached thereto. Insome embodiments, the right light curtain module 102 may include anemitter and the left light curtain module 104 may include a receiver. Insome embodiments, the left light curtain module 104 may include anemitter and the right light curtain module 102 may include a receiver. Acontrol box 106 for a safety apparatus, such as a light curtainincluding the left and right light curtain modules 104 and 102,respectively, and/or an emitter and a receiver, may be disposed on theframe housing, for example, on and/or attached to the base 12. In use,the emitter sends out a plurality of light beams across the working areato the receiver. As long as the plurality of light beams remainsuninterrupted, the carpet rolling machine will remain turned on andoperate normally. If one or more of the plurality of light beams inbroken, for example due to interference by an operator's hand or otherobject, the carpet rolling machine is switched off. In order to restartthe carpet rolling machine and continue rolling mats, the obstructionmust be removed.

A rearward transverse roller 14 is journaled for rotation in a pair ofbearing blocks 15 mounted on plate 16 which in turn is supported bybeams 13 of the intermediate frame support. Preferably, a transverseidler roller 17, journaled for rotation in a pair of bearing blocks 18,is also mounted on plate 16. A forward transverse drive roller 19 isjournaled in a pair of bearing blocks 20 (FIG. 1) supported in the frameside wall supports 10 and 11. The transverse idler roller 17 may bedisposed between or intermediate the rearward transverse roller 14 andthe forward transverse drive roller 19. The rollers 14, 17, and 19 maybe oriented substantially parallel to each other and disposed with theiraxes lying generally in a horizontal plane, and together constitute afirst set of rollers. The left and right light curtain modules 104 and102 may be positioned on the frame housing such that the plurality oflight beams extend across the working area generally above thetransverse idler roller 17. Additional positional details of the leftand right light curtain modules 104 and 102 will be discussed below.

The shaft of forward transverse drive roller 19 at one end may be fittedwith a spur gear 21. A further spur gear 22 is driven through gear box23, of appropriate reduction, by electric motor 24 which is operated bya pedal switch 25. Gears 21 and 22 are interconnected by a drive chain26 or other suitable drive means, such as, but not limited to, a drivebelt, one or more additional gears, a cable, a rope, or other suitablemeans. As seen in FIG. 1, the spur gears 21 and 22 and drive chain 26,which together may be considered to comprise a drive mechanism, may bedisposed outboard or external to the vertical side wall support 10and/or the frame housing relative to the working area of the carpetrolling machine. Although not shown for clarity, the drive mechanism isenclosed within a protective cover for safety reasons.

A first series of a plurality of substantially identical parallel spacedapart carpet transporting belts 27 extend between forward transversedrive roller 19 and rearward transverse roller 14, passing overtransverse idler roller 17.

A horizontal top support frame and housing overlies the rearward end ofthe intermediate support. Transverse horizontal roller 28 is journaledfor rotation in a pair of bearing blocks 29 supported by frame members30 comprising part of the top support frame. Transverse horizontalroller 28 is spaced above rearward transverse roller 14 and is parallelthereto. The axes of rearward transverse roller 14 and transversehorizontal roller 28 lie in a generally vertical plane.

In some embodiments, the transverse horizontal roller 28 is locatedslightly forward of rearward transverse roller 14 such that the planeformed by their axes inclines forwardly from vertical by about 5 degreesto about 15 degrees. Although not explicitly illustrated, in someembodiments, the transverse horizontal roller 28 is located slightlyrearward of rearward transverse roller 14 such that the plane formed bytheir axes inclines rearwardly from vertical by about 5 degrees to about15 degrees. In some embodiments, rearward transverse roller 14 andtransverse horizontal roller 28 together may comprise a second set ofrollers.

A second series of substantially identical parallel spaced apart carpettransporting belts 31 extend between rearward transverse roller 14 andtransverse horizontal roller 28. As best seen in FIG. 1, as they engagerearward transverse roller 14, the second series of belts 31 alternatewith and lie between belts 27 of the first series. All of the belts maybe substantially taut. The first series of belts 27 driven by forwardtransverse drive roller 19 may drive rearward transverse roller 14,which in turn may drive the second series of belts 31. The outersurfaces of all of the belts are preferably provided with a roughened ortextured surface for better engagement with the carpet runners.

At least one generally concave forwardly facing arcuate guide plate 32is provided. Guide plate 32 is mounted on a cantilevered support rod 33which is adjustably mounted to a back plate 34 comprising part of thetop support frame. Guide plate 32 is mounted at the juncture between thefirst series of belts 27 and the second series of belts 31 such that itextends into the space between the travel paths of the belts so as tointerrupt the travel path of the leading edge of a carpet runner carriedon the first series of belts 27. As best seen by reference to FIG. 5,when the leading edge of a carpet runner 35 is carried rearwardly by thefirst series of belts 27, its path of travel is interrupted when itstrikes guide plate 32, and the carpet runner 35 is then directedupwardly where it is engaged by the second series of belts 31.

As also best seen by reference to FIG. 5, in order to start theformation of a carpet roll, as the leading edge of the carpet runner 35is carried upwardly by the second series of belts 31 as a result of itsengagement with guide plate 32, it then engages a plurality of concavedownwardly facing fingers 36 which reverses the direction of travel ofthe carpet runner 35 and directs the leading edge forwardly anddownwardly. As may be seen in FIG. 1, each finger 36 is locatedimmediately above a horizontal belt 27 of the first series and extendsforwardly through the spaces between the vertical belts 31 of the secondseries. As the leading edge of the carpet runner 35 travels forwardlyand downwardly, it comes into contact with the upper surface of thecarpet runner 35, as it is being carried rearwardly by the first seriesof belts 27. Upon coming into contact with the upper surface of thecarpet runner 35, the leading edge of the carpet runner 35 is againcarried rearwardly, thereby forming a roll which is repeatedly carriedalong this path until the entire carpet runner 35 has moved past theplurality of fingers 36 to form a completed carpet roll.

Each of the plurality of fingers 36 is supported from a cantilevered arm37 whose opposite end is supported in a bracket 38 fixedly secured toshaft 39. Shaft 39 in turn is supported for limited pivotal movement ina pair of bearing blocks 40 mounted on the back plate 34. The entirefinger assembly is spring biased on its pivoting shaft 39 by coil spring41 so as to exert constant pressure on the carpet runner 35 as it isbeing rolled, as best seen in FIG. 4. Guide plate 32 and fingers 36 arepreferably made from or coated with polytetrafluoroethylene polymer,such as is sold under the trademark Teflon. As the carpet roll growslarger due to a greater length of the carpet roll having passed theplurality of fingers 36, the plurality of fingers 36 will pivot on theshaft 39 with each turn of the roll, thereby maintaining constantpressure on the carpet runner 35.

Upon the completion of the formation of a carpet roll, as best seen inFIG. 6, movement of the first series of belts 27 and the second seriesof belts 31 is stopped by actuation of the foot switch 25 to shut offthe electric motor 24. Then, the plurality of fingers 26 may be releasedfrom the carpet roll by actuation of a manually-operated switch 42 whichis mounted on the top support housing and frame. Switch 42 regulates theflow of air under pressure to a cylinder 45. One end of the cylinder 45is pivotally attached to a bracket 47 supported from the back wall ofthe housing. A slotted fitting may be secured to one end of the piston46, the second end of the piston 46 being disposed within the cylinder45. The slotted fitting may pivotally and slidably engage a pin at thetop end of a lever arm 48. The lower end of the lever arm 48 may befixedly secured to the shaft 39.

Introduction of fluid into the piston or second end of the cylinder 45via a means for providing fluid to the cylinder 45 from a source of thefluid, in response to actuation of the switch 42, causes piston 46 to beretracted within the cylinder 45, which in turn causes the lever arm 48to rotate shaft 39 and the entire finger assembly to lift the pluralityof fingers 36 from the completed carpet roll to an uppermost position topermit removal of the carpet roll. In some embodiments, the fluid may becompressed air, hydraulic fluid, oil, water, or other suitable fluid. Insome embodiments, the source of the fluid may be connected directly tothe cylinder 45. In some embodiments, the source of the fluid may befluidly connected to the cylinder 45 by a length of hose or tubing. Insome embodiments utilizing compressed air, a bleed hole 49 at the pistonor second end of the cylinder 45 may provide controlled bleeding ofcompressed air from within the cylinder 45. Bleeding or removal of fluidfrom the cylinder 45, coupled with the tension of coil spring 41, causesthe finger assembly, including the plurality of fingers 36, to rotatedownwardly into position for rolling of the next carpet runner 35.

An idler roller 50 is desirably journaled near the front edge of theframe housing, forwardly and slightly downwardly from the forwardtransverse drive roller 19. This facilitates initial placement of theleading edge of a carpet runner 35 to be rolled for engagement by thefirst series of belts 27.

The carpet rolling machine may be made with a sufficient width toaccommodate those mats and carpet runners ordinarily handled by thecommercial laundry in which the carpet rolling machine is typicallyemployed. Such mats or carpet runners may be from about 3 feet to about6 feet in width and about 5 feet to about 15 feet in length, althoughother widths and lengths (smaller and/or larger) are contemplated andmay be accommodated.

In the operation of the machine, the finger assembly is initially in alowermost position, as shown in FIG. 5. With the machine inoperative,the leading edge of the carpet runner 35 is laid over the idler roller50 and lined up with the forward transverse drive roller 19. The machineis turned on by actuation of the foot pedal 25 and the carpet runner 35is quickly carried by the first series of belts 27 and the second seriesof belts 31 and rolled into a tight compact roll, as seen in FIG. 4. Theelectric motor 24 is turned off and the finger assembly is released andraised to the uppermost position by manual actuation of the switch 42.The rolled carpet is removed and tied or otherwise secured to maintainit in its rolled formation and the finger assembly may be returned toits lowermost position, ready to receive the next carpet runner 35 ormat.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic of an electrical control system for asafety apparatus, such as a light curtain including the left and rightlight curtain modules 104 and 102, respectively, and/or an emitter and areceiver. As discussed above, as long as the plurality of light beamsremains uninterrupted, operation of the carpet rolling machine willcontinue normally. Interruption of any one or more of the plurality oflight beams causes the control system to shut down the carpet rollingmachine. In some embodiments, the carpet rolling machine cannot beoperated, or in some cases even turned on, without the safety apparatusturned on and functioning properly.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of a safety apparatus attached to a carpetrolling machine. For clarity, the left light curtain module 104 attachedto the left side wall support 10 is illustrated. It will be understoodthat the right light curtain module 102 attached to the right side wallsupport 11 may be positioned in the same or similar manner. In someembodiments, the left light curtain module 104 may be positioned justforwardly of the forwardmost reach of the plurality of fingers 36. Inoperation, the operator is positioned forwardly of the safety apparatus.Accordingly, as long as the safety apparatus is operating, the pluralityof fingers 36 cannot move and/or strike an operator's hand (or otherbody part or object). As soon as the operator breaks one or more of theplurality of light beams, the machine will shut off. In someembodiments, the plurality of light beams may be positioned about 6inches, about 7 inches, about 8 inches, about 9 inches, about 10 inches,about 11 inches, about 12 inches, about 13 inches, about 14 inches,about 15 inches, about 16 inches, about 17 inches, about 18 inches, oranother suitable distance forward of an upwardly extending portion ofthe plurality of fingers 36, when the plurality of fingers 36 is in theuppermost position. In some embodiments, the plurality of light beamsmay be positioned such that an operator cannot extend their hand intothe working space of the carpet rolling machine without shutting themachine off. In some embodiments, the left and right light curtainmodules 104 and 102, respectively, and/or the plurality of light beamsmay be positioned directly above the transverse idler roller 17. In someembodiments, the left and right light curtain modules 104 and 102,respectively, and/or the plurality of light beams may be positionedabout one-half inch, about one inch, about one and one-half inches,about 2 inches, about 3 inches, or another suitable distance rearward ofthe transverse idler roller 17. In some embodiments, the left and rightlight curtain modules 104 and 102, respectively, and/or the plurality oflight beams may be positioned about one-half inch, about one inch, aboutone and one-half inches, about 2 inches, about 3 inches, or anothersuitable distance rearward of the transverse idler roller 17.

It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, onlyillustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters ofshape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of theinvention. The invention's scope is, of course, defined in the languagein which the appended claims are expressed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A machine for rolling carpet runners, comprising:(A) a frame; (B) a first set of at least a pair of spaced apart parallelrollers supported within the frame; (C) drive means connected to one ofthe first set of rollers; (D) a further roller supported within theframe parallel to and spaced above a rearwardmost roller of the firstset of rollers; (E) a first series of a plurality of endless spacedapart belts supported on the first set of rollers for longitudinalmovement in response to rotation of the first set of rollers; (F) asecond series of a plurality of endless spaced apart belts supportedbetween the rearwardmost roller and said further roller for generallyvertical travel in response to rotation of the first set of rollers andthe further roller, the second series of belts alternating with thefirst series of belts in the spaces between the belts of the firstseries; (G) a concave forwardly facing arcuate guide plate supported ata juncture between the first series of belts and the second series ofbelts, a lower end of the guide plate extending into one space betweenthe belts of the first series; (H) an assembly of a plurality of concavedownwardly facing fingers pivotally supported and extending forwardlyfrom the spaces between the second series of belts and spaced above thefirst series of belts; (I) means for controlling operation of said drivemeans; and (J) a safety apparatus including a light curtain attached tothe frame; wherein each roller includes a central axis.
 2. A machineaccording to claim 1, wherein: (A) the further roller is located forwardof the rearwardmost roller; and (B) the central axes of the rearwardmostroller and the further roller lie in a generally vertical plane inclinedforwardly by about 5 degrees to about 15 degrees.
 3. A machine accordingto claim 1, wherein said drive means is connected to a forwardmostroller of the first set of rollers.
 4. A machine according to claim 3,wherein the first set of rollers further includes a transverse idlerroller having a central axis, the transverse idler roller being disposedbetween and parallel to the forwardmost roller and the rearwardmostroller, the central axes of the first set of rollers lying generally ina common plane.
 5. A machine according to claim 3, wherein an idlerroller is journaled for rotation in the frame closely adjacent to theforwardmost roller, the idler roller being slightly below, forward of,and parallel the forwardmost roller.
 6. A machine according to claim 1,wherein the guide plate and the plurality of fingers are formed from orcoated with polytetrafluoroethylene.
 7. A machine according to claim 1,wherein: (A) the plurality of fingers is rigidly supported by a commonshaft for pivotal rotation together; (B) the assembly is spring-biasedin a downward direction; and (C) means are provided for retracting theassembly upwardly against the spring bias.
 8. A machine according toclaim 7, wherein the retraction means comprises: (A) a lever arm rigidlysecured to the shaft; (B) a fluid operated cylinder supported on theframe adjacent to the lever arm; (C) a pivotal slidable connectionbetween one end of the lever arm and a piston of the cylinder; and (D)means for providing fluid to the cylinder.
 9. A machine according toclaim 8, wherein: (A) the cylinder is powered by compressed air; and (B)a bleed hole is provided in one end of the cylinder for controlledbleeding of the compressed air therefrom in response to the spring biasof the assembly.
 10. A machine according to claim 1, wherein the firstseries of belts and the second series of belts each include a roughenedouter surface.
 11. A machine according to claim 1, wherein the lightcurtain includes a left light curtain module and a right light curtainmodule, wherein one of the left and right light curtain modules includesan emitter and the other of the left and right light curtain modulesincludes a receiver.
 12. A machine according to claim 1, wherein thesafety apparatus includes a control box operatively connected to thelight curtain.
 13. A machine according to claim 12, wherein the controlbox deactivates the machine in response to an interruption of at least aportion of the light curtain.
 14. A machine according to claim 1,wherein the light curtain is positioned forwardly of the plurality offingers.
 15. A machine for rolling carpet runners, comprising: (A) aframe having: (1) a base; (2) a pair of vertical side supports; (3) ahorizontal intermediate support between the side supports spaced abovethe base; and (4) a horizontal top support between the side supports andspaced above a rearward end of the intermediate support; (B) a first setof a plurality of at least three spaced apart parallel transverserollers journaled for rotation in a horizontal plane overlying saidintermediate support, each roller having a central axis; (C) drive meansconnected to a forwardmost roller of the first set of rollers to rotatethe same; (D) a further transverse horizontal roller journaled forrotation and spaced above and slightly forward of a rearwardmost rollerof the first set of rollers, a central axis of the further roller andthe central axis of the rearwardmost roller lying in a generallyvertical plane inclined forwardly between about 5 degrees and about 15degrees; (E) a first series of a plurality of endless parallel spacedapart belts supported on the first set of rollers for longitudinalmovement responsive to rotation of the first set of rollers; (F) asecond series of a plurality of endless parallel spaced apart beltssupported between the rearwardmost rollers and the further roller, thebelts of said second series alternating on the rearwardmost roller withthe belts of the first series in the spaces between the belts of thefirst series; (G) a concave forwardly facing arcuate guide platesupported at a juncture between the first series of belts and the secondseries of belts, a lower end of the guide plate extending into one spacebetween the belts of the first series; (H) an assembly of a plurality ofspring-biased concave downwardly facing fingers pivotally supported andextending forwardly in the spaces between said second series of belts,and spaced above the first series of belts; (I) means for retracting theassembly against its spring bias; (J) a pedal switch means forcontrolling operation of said drive means; and (K) a safety apparatusincluding a control box operatively connected to a light curtainattached to the frame.
 16. A machine according to claim 15, wherein anidler roller is journaled for rotation in the frame closely adjacent tothe forwardmost roller, the idler roller being slightly below, forwardof, and parallel thereto.
 17. A machine according to claim 15, whereinthe guide plate and the plurality of fingers are formed from or coatedwith polytetrafluoroethylene.
 18. A machine according to claim 15,wherein: (A) the plurality of fingers are rigidly supported from acommon shaft for pivotal rotation together; (B) the assembly isspring-biased in a downward direction; and (C) means are provided forretracting the assembly upwardly against the spring bias.
 19. A machineaccording to claim 18, wherein the retraction means comprises: (A) alever arm rigidly secured to the shaft; (B) a fluid operated cylindersupported on the frame adjacent to the lever arm; (C) a pivotal slidableconnection between one end of the lever arm and a piston of thecylinder; and (D) means for providing fluid to the cylinder.
 20. Amachine according to claim 19, wherein: (A) the cylinder is powered bycompressed air; and (B) a bleed hole is provided in a piston end of thecylinder for controlled bleeding of air therefrom in response to thespring bias of the assembly.